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Anger and disbelief after Patel speaks publicly

TONY EASTLEY: Former patients and their families have reacted with a mixture of disbelief and anger at the release from prison of former Bundaberg surgeon Jayant Patel.

Last week the High Court quashed his convictions for manslaughter and grievous bodily harm.

Yesterday Mr Patel spoke to Channel Seven, the first time he'd spoken publicly since he was charged with the deaths of patients in Queensland.

Stephanie Smail reports.

STEPHANIE SMAIL: In his interview with Seven News, Jayant Patel offered sympathy to his former patients.

JAYANT PATEL: I am acutely aware that the trial and the events surrounding it and the appeals were also very painful for those involved in the events concerned. I want to offer my sincere condolences and sympathy to my former patients and their family affected by these events.

STEPHANIE SMAIL: He extended those sentiments to staff at the Bundaberg Hospital.

JAYANT PATEL: The trial and the events surrounding it had a traumatic effect on everyone associated with the Bundaberg Base Hospital and I convey my deepest sorrow and sympathy.

STEPHANIE SMAIL: Former Bundaberg Hospital patients and staff have had an emotional response to the broadcast.

Beryl Crosby from the Bundaberg Hospital Patient Support Group says she's stunned Jayant Patel has spoken after more than seven years of silence.

BERYL CROSBY: It made me angry that he'd want to come out now and talk after all this silence. I mean, as I said, if he had anything to say to the patients that he believed suffered, they suffered because of what happened, why would you want to do that? I don't know. I guess I'm stunned.

STEPHANIE SMAIL: Sixty-five year old Ian Vowles had a section of his bowel removed by the former surgeon who later pleaded not guilty to causing him grievous bodily harm.

IAN VOWLES: He went on a real lot about nothing. He absolutely said virtually nothing at all!

STEPHANIE SMAIL: Jayant Patel says he's always had faith in Australia's justice system and insists he has no intention of leaving Australia until his name is cleared.

The intensive care nurse who first made allegations about his practice in Bundaberg, Toni Hoffman, welcomes the statement.

TONI HOFFMAN: I guess I'm just happy to hear that he is looking forward to clearing his name and I look forward to hearing him answering questions.

STEPHANIE SMAIL: Queensland's Director of Public Prosecutions is yet to make a decision about the retrial of Jayant Patel.

Toni Hoffman is hoping that happens soon.

TONI HOFFMAN: I think it's just a very exhausting and emotional time for everybody involved, you know especially with the fear of the unknown as well, not knowing whether there will be a retrial and, you know, all of that.

STEPHANIE SMAIL: Jayant Patel denies he's going to write a book about his experiences and says he has no intention of making any further statements.

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